Ronald Mitchell - Inducted 2021

Ronald Mitchell is hearing, but for nearly 50 years was a dedicated supporter/promoter of deaf sports programs in South Dakota, Minnesota and nationally as an athlete, coach and administrator.

Mitchell served as a Team USA assistant coach at the 1993 Deaf Olympics in Sweden, where one of his athletes won five gold medals. For 36 years he served as a coach and administrator for deaf schools. He won numerous state and national honors and his Minnesota teams captured five state championships for deaf athletes. He was twice honored as the National Deaf Coach of the Year.

Mitchell was a multi-sport standout at Sioux Falls Washington, helping the Warriors post winning records in football and basketball, as well as state championships in track & field. He earned all-state recognition in football (twice) and basketball. He was one of Sioux Falls’ best baseball players and helped his Legion team to a state championship in 1957.

Mitchell graduated from Augustana University in 1963. He was the Vikings’ starting quarterback for three years and earned a National Football League tryout with the New York Giants. He also played basketball at Augie.

Mitchell received the Ole Odney Award from Augustana in 1978 recognizing his achievements in coaching. He was inducted into the Washington High School Hall of Fame in 2003.

Mitchell was the National Deaf Basketball Player of the Year in 1954. His brother, Jim, was inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.